heritage vs hatchery egg layers

[popcornpuppy]

I have read a few threads that mention heritage breed pullets will start to lay at a later age because they take longer to develop. Hatchery stock is usually bred to mass produce eggs at younger ages. My hatchery pullets all started to lay around 19 weeks of age. I also have some heritage Delawares and RIR's that I hope will not take forever to start laying. Any thoughts, opinions or experiences to share regarding what age I should expect to see eggs from my heritage gals?


ETA: I thought this topic fit in this subject, and not as much in egg laying behavior because The question is about the qualities of certain breeds. If the mods think it should be moved, please do so. Thanks.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

My Del's started at around 26 weeks. I think it was partially due to it being late fall when they began. That's my experience, hope that helps ya!

 

[lildinkem]

Time of year definitely will play a part in when your girls lay. I just started to get a trickle of eggs coming in from all ages.

 

[popcornpuppy]

Quote:
Are your girls heritage or hatchery stock?

 

[lildinkem]

I get my birds from mostly exhibition breeders. Definitely not hatchery. My 10 month ole Cochins just laid her first eggs. I bought her at a show with her brother. But, I knew ahead of time I was getting a bird that is more concerned with putting on feathers and size then eggs production

 

[popcornpuppy]

I have also heard that egg production is lower in heritage or SQ birds comparred to hatchery stock. I would rather have quality over quantity any day! My girls will be around 6 months of age in early spring, so hopefully a good weather pattern for egg production none the less.

 

[lildinkem]

I notice the girls will pick it up this month and March they kick it into high gear. Ofcourse, these girls I have now are not the same I had a year ago. But, non the less, I hatch everything out from my better birds, then raise them up to a point I feel like I know what I have before I worry of getting rid of any.

 

[speckledhen]

My breeder type Delawares start to lay between 18 and 25 weeks old. My breeder type RIRs all laid about 26-30 weeks old. The only very late layers I've had are my banty Cochin (hatchery), my Buff Brahma (hatchery) and an EE hen from a breeder working on new colors (40 weeks for first egg). I was actually surprised that my Delawares did lay so early, but the last batch of girls started at 18 weeks and the last one laid her first egg at 21 weeks.